Tornadoes in 1978
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 789 tornadoes in 1978, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 53 people and injured 919. The busiest month was May (213), and the busiest single day was 12 May 1978, with 26.
- 789tornadoes
- 53deaths
- 919injuries
- 26on the busiest day (12 May 1978)
Tornadoes in 1978 were rated on the Fujita (F) scale. Counts of weak tornadoes in particular depend on how many were spotted and reported, which has changed over the decades, so compare years with care.
How strong were the tornadoes of 1978?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 338 | 43% |
| F1 / EF1 | 312 | 40% |
| F2 / EF2 | 106 | 13% |
| F3 / EF3 | 26 | 3% |
| F4 / EF4 | 7 | <1% |
| F5 / EF5 | 0 | 0% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 23 |
| Feb | 7 |
| Mar | 17 |
| Apr | 107 |
| May | 213 |
| Jun | 148 |
| Jul | 143 |
| Aug | 65 |
| Sep | 20 |
| Oct | 7 |
| Nov | 9 |
| Dec | 30 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1978
- Lyndon, Kansas tornado17 June 1978, F1, 16 deaths, 3 injuries, 7.3 miles long
- Rhodes, Iowa tornado16 September 1978, F3, 6 deaths, 45 injuries, 31.8 miles long
- Elgin, North Dakota tornado4 July 1978, F4, 5 deaths, 35 injuries, 26 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1978
- Elgin, North Dakota tornado4 July 1978, F4, 5 deaths, 35 injuries, 26 miles long
- Monticello, Mississippi tornado18 April 1978, F4, 4 deaths, 31 injuries, 19.1 miles long
- Shreveport, Louisiana tornado3 December 1978, F4, 2 deaths, 266 injuries, 6.2 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.
Where the 1978 tornadoes started
- Texas (137)
- Florida (91)
- Arkansas (44)
- Nebraska (42)
- North Dakota (35)